In the judicial commission hearing on the Gul Plaza tragedy, the Chief Fire Officer stated that fire teams are accused of not using foam
Adnan Athar
In the judicial commission hearing on the Gul Plaza tragedy, the Chief Fire Officer stated that fire teams are accused of not using foam. Civil Defense had declared the fire safety arrangements at Gul Plaza inadequate in its audit, but no challan was submitted in court.
At the eighth meeting of the commission headed by Justice Agha Faisal, the Chief Fire Officer cross-examined Civil Defense technical instructor Mursaleen’s statement. The instructor testified that he learned of the Gul Plaza fire from television. He said the fire was classified as “Class B.” Entering the building would have revealed the exact nature of the blaze. The fact that water failed to extinguish the fire proved it was ineffective; foam or chemicals are used to cut off oxygen supply to burning material. The Chief Fire Officer reiterated that fire teams are accused of not using foam. Civil Defense had declared Gul Plaza’s fire safety arrangements inadequate, but questioned why no challan was submitted after the court was established. At this point, Commission head Justice Agha Faisal remarked: “What does this have to do with you? Just cross-examine the statement. I have already told you not to make speeches—ask questions if you have any.”
Meanwhile, Rescue 1122 officials did not appear before the commission despite being summoned. Rescue authorities had earlier questioned the fire brigade’s firefighting strategy. The Chief Fire Officer and Civil Defense technical instructor were present for cross-examination, but the DG Rescue did not attend.
